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MINUTES OF AN EMERGENCY MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
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The Chairman, Cllr Stuart who had earlier that afternoon called the emergency meeting opened the meeting at 6.05pm. APOLOGIES Cllr Caunce and Cllr Mrs Land were unable to attend ALLEVIATION OF POTENTIAL FLOOD RISK Following the heavy rainfall during the previous Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, Cllr Harris had drawn the Chairman’s attention to a serious problem at the bridge over the river Churn near to the Robert Franklin Way play area. The supporting arch was completely covered, and nearby properties along the bank were in particular danger of flooding as the river was backing up. If this was to happen, then more properties lying lower in Robert Franklin Way would also be threatened, and the potential for serious damage was evident. The water level at this point in the river was the highest for 25 years, and was possibly due to work carried out to raise the height of the river bank further up. This work had eased the flooding problem at the Upper Up end of the village, but the effect was to increase the flow further down, and the bridge at Robert Franklin Way was now acting as a dam, causing a back-up of water. Cllr Harris had contacted the Environment Agency, which had no objection to a plan he devised – to divert the overflow through a series of pipes under the old railway line into a water meadow beyond. It would require a trench of 12 metres in length and a series of six 300mm diameter pipes to carry the surplus water to relieve the flow through the arch of the bridge. The Environment Agency ordered that any work should not be closer than 8 metres from the river bank. Cllr Stuart had been in contact with Gloucestershire County Council PROW which had no objections either. Cllr Nicholas would inform the owner of the adjoining meadow, Mr Franklin of Worms Farm, of the plan to ensure that he had no objection. Due to the weather forecasts for the coming days heavy rain was expected, which meant that the scheme must be implemented by Friday to avoid an impending disaster. As Cllr Harris was available, the assembled Councillors agreed he was more than suited for the task. As James Harris Contracting, he was able to provide an estimate of £1,610 ex VAT. To comply with the Parish Council’s Standing Orders, payment for the work would be approved in two tranches. Cllr Harris then left the meeting while the remainder of the Parish Council considered its options. It was proposed by Cllr Stuart, and seconded by Cllr Walker, that the Parish Council agrees to this necessary work by James Harris Contracting. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 6.50pm. |
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